Which statement best describes the planning phase?

• A. A deliberative, systematic phase involving decision-making and problem solving
• B. An informal data collection task
• C. A phase focused on documentation only
• D. A post-care evaluation step

Answer: (A)

Planning in the nursing process is a deliberate, systematic phase where decisions are made, problems are solved, and patient goals are set, leading to a chosen sequence of actions. It involves prioritizing issues, defining measurable outcomes, selecting evidence-based interventions, and outlining a care plan with a timeline. This captures why the statement describing planning as a deliberative, systematic phase involving decision-making and problem solving fits best. An informal data collection task corresponds to assessment rather than planning, since planning builds on that data to set goals and actions. A phase focused on documentation only would miss the active choice of interventions and outcomes, and a post-care evaluation step belongs to evaluation after care, not planning.